Characterization, Diagnosis And Management of Plant Viruses (Horticultural Crops‪)‬

Fruit tree species are being cultivated worldwide. Each one of them contributes its share to the bountiful supply of fruits for human consumption. Characterization of viruses in fruit tree crops is complicated due to the fact that many cultivated fruit crops are maintained through vegetative propagation and mixed infection of several viruses in a fruit tree is a common phenomenon. Viruses have undoubtedly infected fruit trees and cause diseases for centuries before they are described and proven to be the causal agents. In recent years, a number of economically important viruses on fruit trees have been characterized and their genome sequence information is available in public Gene Bank databases. Advancements in serological and molecular technologies have greatly improved the speed and accuracy of virus identification. Once infected with a virus, the perennial woody trees cannot be cured. Their control is based on prevention, i.e. sanitary selection and/or sanitation of primary stocks, planting of healthy propagating materials and eradication of infected sources. The reliable and sensitive virus detection methods are critical in selecting virus-free materials for propagation. This volume contains 16 chapters written by experts in their own field with up-to-date information on various aspects of identification, characterization and management of important viruses occurring on horticultural crops. This book is part of the multi-volume Plant Pathogens Series. It will serve as an exhaustive and up-to-date compendium of references on various aspects of different plant viruses affecting horticultural crops.